Assistive Technology Interaction module (AC52054)

This module explores key concepts in Human Computer Interaction (HCI). It does so through practical tasks in relation to Assistive Technology (AT).

People often assume that the needs of technology users with complex disabilities can only be met through specialist assistive technology (AT). In reality, the gap between specialist and mainstream devices is narrowing.

The challenge of making devices accessible to all users has led to a wide variety of “baked in” accessibility features in software, hardware and operating systems. Yet, some users with more complex disabilities may still require more complex methods of access and control.

In this module, we build on over 40 years of expertise in AT and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) design and development at the University of Dundee.

You will learn key principles of interface development, accessibility, and usability. Through real-world examples, you will see how considering the needs of disabled users results in better design for all.

You will also explore how mainstream design approaches can provide robust and reliable insights into the needs of disabled users.

You will explore a wide range of design frameworks and tools. You will use these to critique existing designs. You will also learn key design skills that will support you in thinking about how best to contribute to AT development. 

What you will learn

In this module you will gain an understanding of: 

• user centred design
• usability
• human factors
• prototyping
• quantitative and qualitative evaluation and research methods
• accessibility 

By the end of this module, you will be able to: 

• understand how considering disabled users at all stages in the design process can result in better, more accessible design for all users.
• perform heuristic and usability evaluations of websites and software
• understand how to gather and interpret different types of data, and how to apply these to design and development tasks. 

Assignments / assessment

• Heuristic Evaluation (20%)
• Web Accessibility Essay (20%)
• User-Centred Design Project (60%) 

Teaching methods / timetable

This module is delivered online. 

You will learn through a mix of self-study materials which we provide for you to complete at a time that suits you, and live tutorial sessions.

The self-study materials include presentations on HCI concepts and practical tasks that prepare you for the assessed coursework.

In the live group tutorials, you will discuss these concepts and apply them to examples from Assistive Technology.